Our Mission

In a culturally enriched context, Orators practice speaking and leadership skills to enhance self-confidence.

To improve the public speaking skills of New Jersey children between 7 and 18 years of age, thereby, increasing their self-confidence, academic success, leadership skills and ability to maximize career choices and academic success.

Vision

Confident youth with the ability to succeed

About the Organization

New Jersey Orators, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) volunteer organization founded in 1985 by a small group of New Jersey African-American corporate executives who set out to improve the language skills primarily of African-American youth, from ages 7 to 18 years, in preparation for roles of leadership and employment.

The prime objectives of the program are

1. language mastery in seven categories of public speaking
2. enhancement of self-esteem
3. assistance in career selection
4. engagement of parents in their children’s development

Orator training consists of 40 weeks of one-hour meetings coinciding with the school year and participation in statewide competitions. With an annual membership of almost 500 students, there are chapters throughout the State of New Jersey (Freehold, Hillside, Lakewood, Montclair, Neptune, New Brunswick, Newark, Orange, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Somerset, West Windsor-Plainsboro, Willingboro) in seven counties (Burlington, Essex, Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Somerset and Union). There are over 200 volunteer coaches, and almost 100 volunteer judges, timekeepers, and assistants. The organization is managed by five (5) Co-Founders, who comprise the Execuitve Board of Directors, and a volunteer Management Board. The New Jersey Orators is located in Somerset, NJ and shares an office facility with ORATORS, INC.

The organization has three Critical Success Factors:

1. competition performance
2. depth and range of knowledge of competition categories
3. high school graduation

Students are evaluated by judges, tracked by coaches in their selection and mastery of the categories, and monitored for high school completion.